As Scouts we are considerate about the environment, doing what we can to live more sustainably. You will have noticed the reusable cups we have been using, but did you know that Gilwell Park has its own solar farm consisting of over 200 solar panels?

Over the weekend of Reunion Scout Adventures have used no diesel powered generators, instead making use of renewable energy. At one point the solar panels were sending power to the stage, the programme zone, external providers, the AGM and still had enough left to export to the National Grid!

Looking to the next 12 months, the plan is to offset all power to both Gilwell Park and Youlbury from the Gilwell Park solar farm, creating a greener future for UK Scouting.

Gathering around the campfire is a highlight of many a camp, and as the fire took hold you could feel the excitement build as people came together from across the site. After the classic call of “Oggy, Oggy, Oggy” from our hosts Alan and Lorna we were soon singing away and trying to remember if we were supposed to be standing or sitting for our “Bonnie over the ocean”.

The aptness of Singin’ in the rain wasn’t lost as we refrained in the inclement weather of the evening, before learning what the Quartermaster has in his store.

Lord David Baden-Powell spoke of his tradition of spreading and collecting ashes from the campfire at camps around the world, as some of you may remember from last year. After asking Gill Clay to help him spread the ashes, others shared the tradition by adding their own ashes to the fire as Lord Baden Powell said “In the morning, take away some ashes (if it’s hot, don’t do it!) and take away memories of your time here.”

As the night drew in, Julian was invited to come forward after being nominated by a friend for his birthday. After leading the group in “The Pizza Man” song, they then responded by singing Happy Birthday in a truly magical moment.

You can relive the experience by watching back the live stream.

From parkrun to presentations, axe throwing to zip lining, there has been lots going on in and around Gilwell today! There’s more to come this evening but here’s a look back at today’s activities.

As the sun set over Gilwell Park, it was rising over the 99th Reunion. Here’s our roundup of Friday evening.